Due to their stunning spring blossoms and vibrant fall and winter fruit showcases, crabapple trees are highly sought after. Their beauty is undeniable.
Although many people are familiar with the trees, few realize how many varieties are available.
The Profusion crabapple is one of the best, particularly if you enjoy deep-pink to purplish flowers and a splash of color in the drab winter months.
Profusion crabapple trees typically grow to 15-20 feet tall and about 20 feet wide. However, the size can vary depending on the specific growing conditions and care provided. Trees in suboptimal conditions may never reach 15 feet, but those given ideal care will easily grow to full size and sometimes more.
In the following sections, we’ll explain all the specifics of the Profusion crabapple tree, including its general appearance, growth rate, blooms, fruits, and hardiness.
We will also discuss the ideal growing conditions and maintenance practices for this tree. So, if you’re ready to embark on a rewarding gardening journey with the Profusion crabapple, read on!
Key Takeaways
- The Profusion crabapple is a moderate-sized tree known for its pink to violet-red, fragrant spring blossoms and vibrant fall foliage.
- It offers a changing palette of colors throughout the year, with pink blossoms in spring, red fruits from summer to winter, and purple-red leaves in the fall.
- The tree typically reaches a mature height and width of 15-20 feet, making it suitable for a variety of landscape settings.
- In addition to its visual appeal, the tree’s fruits attract various bird species, adding an element of wildlife attraction.
There is no doubt that Profusion crabapple is a winning choice, but there are many more varieties that rival its beauty. I cover the most popular options in my comprehensive article, Best Crabapple Varieties.
Profusion Crabapple
The Profusion crabapple is a deciduous tree known for its stunning spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage. It’s a popular choice among gardeners for its hardiness and relatively low maintenance needs.
| Botanical Name | Malus x moerlandsii ‘Profusion’ |
| Mature Height | 15-20 feet |
| Mature Width | 20 feet |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Light Preferences | Full sun to partial shade |
| Ideal Soil | Well-drained, moderately fertile soil |
| Watering Needs | Regular watering, more frequent in extreme heat |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Bloom Color & Fragrance | Deep pink or purplish and fragrant |
| Fruits | Small, red, persistent into winter |
| Fall Foliage | Purple-red |
General Appearance
The Profusion crabapple is a tree that truly lives up to its name, offering a profusion of visual delights throughout the year.
Its overall form is a spreading, rounded canopy that reaches a mature height and width of 15 to 20 feet.
This moderate size makes it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or landscapes where space is at a premium but a visual impact is desired.
The tree’s leaves are a glossy, deep-green color that provides a beautiful backdrop to the vibrant colors of the blooms and fruits.
These leaves are simple and ovate with serrated margins, providing a lush and dense canopy throughout the growing season.
In spring, the Profusion crabapple becomes a focal point in the landscape when it bursts into bloom. The blossoms are a deep-pink to violet-red color and are known for their delightful fragrance.
These blooms cover the tree so thoroughly that from a distance, it can appear as though the tree is cloaked in a cloud of pink.
Following the spring bloom, the tree produces small, red fruits. These fruits persist into winter, providing visual interest even in the colder months.
They also serve as a food source for various species of birds, adding an element of wildlife attraction to the tree’s list of attributes.
In the fall, the leaves turn a stunning shade of purple-red. This transformation adds a splash of color to the landscape, making the tree a standout feature even among the spectacular colors of the autumn season.
Seasonal Color
The Profusion crabapple is a tree for all seasons, offering a changing palette of colors throughout the year.
In spring, the tree is awash with violet-red blossoms that stand out against the glossy green of the leaves.
These blossoms not only add a burst of color to the landscape but also fill the air with their delightful fragrance, signaling the arrival of spring.
As the blossoms fade, they give way to small, red fruits. These fruits persist from summer into winter, providing a consistent splash of red against the tree’s foliage.
In the fall, the Profusion crabapple undergoes another transformation. The leaves turn from their usual deep green to a stunning shade of purple-red.
Even in winter, when many trees have lost their leaves, the Profusion crabapple continues to provide visual interest.
The persistent red fruits against the bare branches create a striking contrast, adding color and texture to the winter landscape.
Growth Rate & Mature Size
The Profusion crabapple is a moderate grower, typically reaching its mature height of 15-20 feet and a similar spread within 10-20 years.
This growth rate can be influenced by specific growing conditions, including the quality of the soil, the amount of sunlight the tree receives, and the care provided.
The tree’s mature size means that it’s small enough to fit into smaller gardens or urban landscapes yet large enough to make a visual impact.
The spreading, rounded canopy provides ample shade, making it a good choice for a specimen or shade tree.
Blooms
One of the standout features of the Profusion crabapple is its spring bloom.
The tree produces a profusion of deep-pink to violet-red, fragrant blossoms that cover the tree so thoroughly that it can appear as though the tree is enveloped in a cloud of pink.
The blossoms typically appear in mid to late spring, signaling the arrival of the season.
The blooms not only add a burst of color to the landscape but also fill the air with their delightful fragrance.
This combination of visual and olfactory appeal makes the tree a standout feature in any garden or landscape.
Fruits
Following the spectacular spring bloom, the Profusion crabapple produces small, red fruits. These fruits persist from summer into winter, providing visual interest and color throughout much of the year.
While the fruits are too tart for most people’s taste, they are a favorite of many bird species, adding an element of wildlife attraction to the tree.
Pollination
The Profusion crabapple is a self-fertile tree, meaning it does not require another tree to produce its small, red fruits.
However, having another apple or crabapple tree in the vicinity can enhance fruit production through cross-pollination.
Common pollinators for the Profusion crabapple include bees and other insects, which are attracted to the tree’s fragrant blossoms.
Hardiness
The Profusion crabapple is known for its hardiness as it is able to withstand a variety of challenging conditions.
It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, demonstrating a good tolerance for both cold winters and hot summers.
Its resilience extends to urban conditions as well with the tree showing a good tolerance for pollution, making it a suitable choice for city landscapes.
Profusion Crabapple Growing Conditions
The Profusion crabapple is a versatile tree that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
However, like all plants, it has its preferences, and providing these ideal conditions can help the tree thrive and reach its full potential.
Grow Zones
As mentioned earlier, the Profusion crabapple thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. This means it can withstand minimum winter temperatures ranging from -30°F to 10°F.
It’s a good choice for gardens and landscapes in many parts of the United States, even those with cold winters and hot summers.
Sun Requirements
The Profusion crabapple prefers full sun to partial shade. This means it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
A location with full sun is ideal as it promotes healthy growth, abundant blooming, and fruit production.
Soil Preferences
The Profusion crabapple prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they drain readily.
The tree also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH but can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions.
Profusion Crabapple Maintenance and Care
While the Profusion Crabapple is a relatively low-maintenance tree, some care practices can help it thrive and look its best.
Watering
The Profusion crabapple prefers a consistent watering schedule. While it has some drought tolerance once established, it’s best to water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root problems.
Fertilization
While the Profusion crabapple can tolerate a range of soil conditions, it will benefit from an annual application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
This will provide the tree with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth and abundant blooming. I recommend this blend rated for organic gardening.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Profusion crabapple care. Regular pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, promotes better air circulation, and removes dead or diseased wood.
The best time to prune is late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant but the worst of the winter cold has passed.
Pests & Diseases
The Profusion crabapple is resistant to many of the common diseases that affect other apple and crabapple varieties, such as apple scab and fire blight.
However, it’s still important to keep an eye out for signs of disease or pest activity. Regular inspections and prompt treatment can help keep the tree healthy and vibrant.
Landscape Uses & Wildlife Value
With its stunning spring blooms, vibrant fall foliage, and year-round visual interest, the Profusion crabapple is a wonderful addition to the landscape.
It can be used as a specimen tree, in a mixed border, or even as part of a wildlife garden. Its small, red fruits attract various bird species, adding an element of wildlife attraction.
Companion Plants
The Profusion crabapple pairs well with a variety of other plants. Consider underplanting with spring-flowering bulbs or ground cover plants such as hostas.
Perennials that bloom in summer and fall can help extend the season of interest. Evergreens can provide a contrasting backdrop to the tree’s changing colors.
Where To Buy
Profusion crabapple trees can be purchased from a variety of sources, including local nurseries and garden centers.
When purchasing a tree, look for a healthy specimen with a strong, well-formed structure and no signs of disease or pest damage.
Online retailers are another great option, particularly if you can’t find a Profusion crabapple locally. Here are a few I recommend:
Closing Thoughts
The Profusion crabapple is a tree that offers a wealth of benefits, from its stunning spring blossoms and vibrant fall foliage to its hardiness and relatively low maintenance needs.
Its moderate size makes it suitable for a variety of settings, from small urban gardens to larger landscapes.
With its changing palette of colors throughout the year and its attractiveness to various bird species, the Profusion crabapple is more than just a tree; it’s a year-round spectacle of nature’s beauty.
Uncertain about which crabapple variety suits you best? You might be interested in alternative types of crabapple trees like these:
- Dwarf Crabapple Trees: Popular Varieties & Landscaping Ideas
- Weeping Crabapple Trees: Characteristics, Care & Varieties